ASO Board of Directors

Successful and committed charities require an equally successful and committed Board of Directors (BOD). The Asperger’s Society of Ontario BOD is governed by a group of dynamic volunteers who represent a wide range of expertise. The Board guides the overall strategic management of the ASO and each member is deeply committed to ensuring the financial and operational sustainability of the ASO while working toward fulfilling our vision, mission and goals.

Jodi Echakowitz

Jodi is CEO of Boulevard PR, the public relations and digital marketing agency she founded in 2001. She has been a Board Member since 2005 and has held the position of Secretary since 2008. She is the community manager for the Society on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. She is a mother of two children, including a son who was diagnosed with Asperger’s.

Greg Johnston

Gregory joined the Asperger’s Society of Ontario in 2017 and assumed the role of Treasurer shortly thereafter. He works in the finance industry for the Royal Bank of Canada, holds an Honours B.Comm from the University of Guelph and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. Gregory’s commitment to individuals living with Asperger’s comes from volunteering in the Autism classroom that his wife teaches. They are expecting their first child in March 2018.

Priscilla Burnham-Riosa

Priscilla Burnham Riosa is an assistant professor in the Department of Applied Disability Studies at Brock University. She is a Doctoral-level Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and has been working in the disability field for over 15 years. Her research interests are in mental health and behavioural and cognitive-behavioural interventions for youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Pouya Arefi

In addition to the ASO, Pouya is a Board Director at the Lymphedema Association of Ontario. His focus is on a systems-level approach to advocating for improved resources and support for those with Asperger’s. He is also the acting Chair of the HHS Volunteer Council, a member of the Michael G. Degroote Pain Clinic Fundraising Committee. Pouya is currently pursuing a Masters in Global health and has a background in Health Policy.

Edward Lin

Edward joined the Board of Directors in 2018 and has a passion for health promotion and advocacy. He believes in improving access to supports and services for those with Asperger’s. Edward is the President of Exercise is Medicine at the University of Toronto and a co-founder of the Medicine in Motion Podcast. He received his Honours Bachelor of Science from McGill University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science at the University of Toronto.

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The content provided on this website is presented by the ASO for informational purposes only and is intended for perusal by those interested in learning about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the supports and services provided by this organization. The ASO does not endorse any treatments or services; any action taken should be first reviewed with your specific Health Care team.